Potters claim surprise point

Defiant Stoke stopped unbeaten Liverpool in their tracks at Anfield with a magnificent rearguard action in a goalless draw at Anfield.

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, Sep 20, 2008

Rafael Benitez

Liverpool dominated throughout, had close on 70% possession, but just could not find a way past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and his outstanding defenders.

Stoke play to their strengths - being direct and physical - but they deserved their day in the sun.

Steven Gerrard thought he had scored his 100th club goal after just two minutes but referee Andre Marriner gave a free-kick for a push in the back on Fernando Torres.

The captain's curling free-kick from the left looked to have been missed by everyone - including Sorensen - as the ball sailed on into the far corner. Gerrard's colleagues rushed to congratulate their captain but a linesman's flag surprisingly cut short the celebrations.

Stoke responded with a 20-yard shot from Dave Kitson just over, while at the other end Sorensen needed to save smartly from a Robbie Keane first-time effort.

Dirk Kuyt fired wide and Gerrard saw another right-footer sail wide, while Xabi Alonso clattered another 20-yard shot over the top as the Potters reached the break unscathed.

Six minutes into the second period Keane almost ended his goal famine. Alvaro Arbeloa and Kuyt combined down the right and when the cross arrived on the six-yard line Kuyt's stabbed effort was well saved by Sorensen.